13. An endurance test of brake line integrity (how well you did at putting fittings on);
12. Holds plane from various (wind and prop wash) force temporarily till can run over and get chocks (if they are available);
11. When stopping on a sloped ramp, can get out of the airplane without it rolling all around;
10. Saves having to keep you’re feet on the brakes during run-up;
9. Makes you feel less rushed during pre takeoff checks;
8. Helps you remember what it was like to fly a 172;
7. Stops the plane moving about the patio when you’re working on the back end;
6. Lets you stop REALLY quickly if you engage it before touch down;
5. Gives you another lever in the cockpit to impress people with;
4. Something to scratch you’re left knee on during long flights;
3. More weight at the front. Saves using ballast;
2. Another place to check for leaks;
and, finally, the number 1 reason for having a parking brake in a canard/non-aircraft (scroll down) . . .
1. Stops the plane from running off by itself (and jumping the chocks — JD) and ramming a hanger (or another aircraft — JD) when you hand prop it on full throttle! All of these things have happened all too often.